A Day in the Life: Fisheries Observer Profiles & Blogs

Fisheries observers are professionally trained biological technicians whose work helps to ensure sustainable fisheries in U.S. waters. While their work is intense, their days can also be filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences observing remarkable ecosystems and rare species. 

Check out the observer profiles and blogs below to learn more about what a day in the life of an observer looks like in each region!

Northeast Region

• Observing—Six Things I’ve Learned in a Year by Leah Jones
• Observing: Not Your Typical Job by Kathleen Mager
• Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab: An Observer's Perspective by Robert Bland
• Conch Fishing: An Observer's Perspective by Jessica (JT) Tyrell
• Every Day is Different: An Observer's Perspective by Nichole Nigri
• A Day in the Life of a Northeast Fisheries Observer by Beth Nelson
• Meet Fisheries Observer Denise Craft
• Meet Fisheries Observer Andrew D'Agostine
• Meet Fisheries Observer Camille Smith
• Meet Fisheries Observer Brandon Raguz
• Meet Fisheries Observer Julaina Bennett

Southeast Region

• Meet Observer Coordinator Kate Walter
• On the Water: A Look at Life as an Observer by Keenan Carpenter

West Coast Region

• "There is No Typical": Life as a West Coast Groundfish Observer by Woody Venard

Pacific Islands

• On Deck With Observer 0001— Looking Back 30 Years featuring Tonya Wick
• My Sea Kit by Erin Smeltzer
• Observing for the Long Haul by Mario Esera
• Observations of Fish, Birds, and Life at Sea in the Pacific Islands by Holly Ann Naholowaa

Alaska

• Meet Fisheries Observer Jennifer Shultes
• "Taking a Big Picture of a Big Industry": Observing Fisheries in Alaska by Sarah Williamson
• Winter Observing on a Commercial Longline Vessel by Rory Morgan
• Day in the Life of a Fisheries Observer by Bobbie Buzzell